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Oxford Plans Eco-Friendly Homes

Posted: 21/02/2006

Oxford City Council is leading the way in eco-friendly homes after producing a document that will set standards for developers to build energy efficient and renewable energy homes. Planners have produced the Natural Resources Impact Anaylsis document which will help developers build environmentally friendly homes in line with the council's recently adopted Local Plan.

The aim of the document is to provide detailed advice and guidance and to set out how the planning department will be seeking to apply certain policies when determining planning applications.

If developers built an average semi-detached house with the requirements set out in the document the energy efficiency alone would lead to saving of £410 per year.

Councillor Ed Turner, Executive Member for Housing, said: "Oxford City Council has a longstanding commitment to making Oxford more sustainable. "Incorporating sustainable design and building principles in development is one important way that this commitment can be realised. The NRIA document should evaluate the use of natural resources and the environmental impacts and benefits arising from a proposed development, both at the construction phase and through to day to day running of the buildings".

"I am pleased that we are leading the way with energy efficient homes and with developers being urged to consider renewable energy when submitted planning applications."

Developers will be able to use a template when submitting a planning application. They will also use a checklist that provides them with an indication of the council's target standards. An NRIA will be required for all major developments - defined as 10 or more dwellings.

The document will be open for public consultation on February 24 for six weeks.

Ian Morgan / 24dash.com  
 

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